Q: Nei kong meh ye?

I dreamed a peculiar life I have in the future. It was emotionally vivid, so much so, I had a blissful aftertaste as I opened my eyes, it felt warm all over. Strange one indeed. I honestly don't know what to make of it. All I know is that there is someone who will be happy for me. In that respect, a splitting image of my parents. How peculiar indeed...

One only?
Vonnie S.

Day 03: Shinshu - Shin Hodaka - Toyama

We’ll be climbing up the mountain here we come~ Here we come! The Northern Alps Mountain or ShinHodaka is a spectacular range blanketed by heaps of snow and is a favorite skiing spot for the extreme sports enthusiasts. We’re only interested in taking pictures, not to mention our lunch stop is at the final station. Cold and hungry, just the way I like my afternoons to be. To be honest, it wasn’t that chilly, there were hardly any wind and we didn’t actually get to set foot on the mountain. Just on a platform overseeing the range (in a 180 degrees field of view).

The Shin-Hodaka Ropeway is one of Japan's most unique cable car ride. It has one of the largest elevation gains in the country as it climbs over 1000 meters up the side of the Hotake Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan's third highest peak. But its most distinguishing feature is its double decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan. Not for the faint of heart and those with a fear of heights. O yes, I totally recommend the bakery at the stop, the adzuki crossaint is to die for.

Now, should you ever be awed by the world of Princess Mononoke, Kenrokuen jumps out magically like that for me and should Moro choose to appear, I won’t scream as much I’m sure. To see using the eyes of a tourist is doing the garden much injustice. When you’re looking at an artwork, you have to see it through the eyes unclouded by the need to judge, but the want to slow down and appreciate its wonder. 

"In ancient times, the land lay covered in forests, where, from ages long past, dwelt the spirits of the gods. Back then, man and beast lived in harmony, but as time went by, most of the great forests were destroyed. Those that remained were guarded by gigantic beasts who owed their allegiances to the Great Forest Spirit, for those were the days of gods and of demons." - Narrator, Princess Mononoke

Ah Du mentioned that it is a private garden of a Kaga feudal lord for a Forest God. You see, this God (in a form of an old man) helps people who get lost in forests. But if you wanna entice him to live in your backyard, you have to design a garden that holds six attributes; spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water-courses and panoramas, like this one. 

Garden walks are great, but after all those fresh air, you'd really wanna see how they incorporate architecture with nature. Higashi-chayamachi street is a great example of that. A perfectly calm neighbourhood with a stream flowing through, separating your home and the narrow road connected by small bridges. Another remnants of the Edo period, with traditional tea house style houses lining the street. Now where's my horsie?

Dodgy mini cars,
Vonnie S.

Day 02: Let's stroll around Gifu!

Nothing beats having a refreshing morning after a good night's sleep, washing away the fatigue from yesterday's flight and tour. After a simple breakfast, we were off on a cruise ride. Warning tho, should I put a theme on this day, it shall be a blend of water and flowers. You'll see what I mean. Enakyo Yuransen is the name of the gorge (unfortunately an artificial one) formed after the Oi Dam, supposedly Japan's first electricity-producing dam. The Kiso River became the victim of this construction.

I was placed in the front seat because the Jeffrey insisted I have a decent chat with the cruise driver. What a nice old man he was, pointing out on ducks and telling me the names to them. The boat is so clean and comfy, I wouldn't mind going on it again. Perhaps another time when the sakura flowers are in full bloom and the birds migrate back here. I'm sure you would love to come along with me then and I'd be delighted to have you on board, so as long as you buy your own ticket. Epic line today: Atama ga iiyone! (Loosely translated: You've got smart brainss!)

Then, we stepped back in time, walking along stony pavement meant for horses and worn travelers at the Magome-juku. It's an old town, more specifically the 43rd post-town from the Edo Japan Bridge starting point. Every house lining the streets are a wonder to behold, minus the fact that they now sell souvenirs to foreign tourists, each with their jet black shiny roof and lovely exterior.

But seriously, it had to rain again. While disappointing, it is probably for the better. The sound of plitter platter puts one in a calmer state of mind, and you really relive the Edo jidai. And I had a sudden urge to buy a horse. Dad had to forget the umbrella too, so I had fun sheltering my camera from the rain instead, because when you're travelling, it elevates in importance. The next pit stop is yet another amazing historical building that I've only seen in anime, the Matsumoto Castle. The sight of this national treasure is truly a breathtaking one, the rain not hampering the beauty one bit and I took it all in like a sponge and became deeply satisfied that we made the decision to do this trip.

Where are the flowers you say? Why, can you imagine this for a sec, the entire garden surrounding Matsumoto jyou covered with sakura flowers. It is no wonder the Japanese revered cherry blossoms, I would too. I mean they make a pretty good Kit Kat flavor. As an ice cream flavor, not so much.

While we're at food, we had a chance to visit an actual wasabi farm -- Daio Wasabi Farm. The vast stretch of wasabi plantation is really interesting and it helps debunk all those myth on wasabi. Did I also mention that we get to sample products produced by the farm and that includes fresh wasabi keroke and wasabi ice cream? Ain't getting better than the night's stay at a hot spring ryoukan, desho?

Chocolate, Strawberry, or Coffee?
Vonnie S.

Day 01: Osaka - Nara - Gifu

Arriving at Kansai International Airport was no easy feat. The plane was wobbling its way through the six hours flight and I was pretty much sandwiched between my very sleepy mother and two Japanese aunties. I couldn't get a decent sleep because of the on going announcement that goes off every now and then warning its passengers of bad weather and turbulence. So I did what any youths my age would, grab the headphone and jack up the volume. Just for that night, I was okay listening to Girls Generation.

When we did eventually emerged from the MH 052, I was surprised at how simple the airport looks and how slow the process of immigration was. More importantly, Jeffrey was our tour leader and we have a Taiwanese local guide named Ah Du. The two seems friendly enough and immediately I realized I was the youngest (and the only child) of the group. So, one can only expect to get much attention. Epic line of the day: Eh, shouldn't you be in school?

Osaka Castle Park was our first stop. I've only ever heard of this place from the text book back at IBT. You can see why this monument is important from this picture itself. The architecture work is impressive and beautiful, it is a no wonder why people flock this park to do Sakura viewing. Unfortunately for us, it has been a rather gloomy day. Raining from the beginning till 4pm. My camera was acting all dodgy as well from the dampness, but it managed to avoid disappointing me when it comes to taking the shots. 

Pretty plum blossoms decorate the park much to us, Malaysians' excitement. Sakura flowers were low in number, but Ah Du promised that there will be more to come when we go to Gifu later this week. I sure hope he's right. 

Nara Park and Kasuga Shrine was next. The park was populated with friendly deer who are not afraid of you nor your cravings for venison. I guess humans became an object that represents food to them. Why, you ask? Well, visitors of the park may purchase shika senbei (biscuits for deer) for 150 yen to mess with them. Then you'll also quickly learn how pushy hungry deer can be, I was swarmed and attacked upon sight. Oh, and I forgot to mention that these deer are messengers of the Gods according to the Shinto religion. That oughta teach you not to mess with them cervines.

I think the crispiness of the biscuits give them the natural high they don't get from eating grass. I mean, if you become vegetarian for too long without ever meaning to be, a piece of meat will set you off faster than a ticking bomb. Trust me on that note, at least I got these deer to prove it to you.

Don't let this innocent (or stupid, as mom puts it) face fool ya. Deer are notorious for aggressively chasing visitors for a piece of your senbei.

Last but not least, the almighty Todaiji Temple! Another big ancient building that houses these big old copper Buddhist statues. I did a prayer and bought my first omikuji (lucky charm) for academic success. So far, I've scored three key chains for friends (the others weren't appealing enough), may tomorrow brings in more interesting sights for us to see.

Melon pan rocks,

Vonnie S.

Q: Dont you have a fan??

Poor mother bird. The only one egg that hatched today revealed a dead chick. That was a sad moment, but such is nature and we all have to move on, so will the birds. I, on the other hand, was squarely going through my checklist. Double-checking it over and over again to make sure I've had everything in the bag. Such are the tediousness of travelling. I don't mind that either way, as I believe it's gonna be a great one. But what worries me is probably the weather. Sounds gloomy to me.

Shiatz,
Vonnie S.

Q: I will still be piss awesome when I turn 100!

Done a quick draw this morning and into the envelope both of the drawings went. I'll have to run to work early then get to the post office during lunch break. Thursdays (as I know it) have the least amount of customers waiting in line, so I can complete this task within five minutes. Run to Central, bank in cheques, grab a bite, hustle back to work, reply emails, roll down hill, stress a while bunch, then come home to construction drilling. Whoever approves this project really needs a wake up call of their own.

Bah, Troy turned Checkered! That was fast...

Setting sail,

Vonnie S.

Q: Ouch, can't even move my jaw...

Drew this as a graduation gift for Lihee. Darshani's Squirtle and Charmander's next. Both of them worked hard to finish their senior design presentation yesterday and it is the least I can do for them right now. With just three days shy away from my departure to Japan, I wanna make sure that these are mailed out nice and clean. I've drawn a couple more Pokemon since the beginning of this week. They're supposed to be going out for sale next month, but already I am guaranteed some customers. Making come back has never been so fun!

Ancient Aliens?

Vonnie S.

Q: Why isn't he wearing his clogs anymore?

Problems are made by people for people. As children, we were taught to always solve problems, not to cause them. But we did the direct opposite, naming them the cause of growing pains.

Trying to figure out if I should save the money now for AFA or spend it ahead for Video Games Live and work for it later? Yikes, being poor sucks.

Let's do this,
Vonnie S.
Credits to ciaee (c) A Child's Dance Escapes Time

Q: But i only go when got friend lulz

To gain something, you have to lose something. It is the law of physics, an equivalent exchange of values, and a karmic cycle of restoring to what it originally was. So when KFC told us he got the girl at the cost of breaking his arm, we all nodded in agreement. Like the tangible item we seek in life, each of them is paid with the money and time spent, that price tag justifying its worth and our consent to purchase. I digress, feels good applying philosophy into a real life scenario. Okay, KFC mentioned about a rally and then the police and then some pandemonium, resulting into two nights stay at the hospital.

The first night had him trashing in his sleep thinking about this girl whom he likes. Her cheery face, her voice when she calls for him, and with that, his heart beat slowed because he knew she wasn’t his just yet. His friend MCD knew for the fact that he was hospitalized, and via Facebook, their acquaintances became aware and sympathized. And so, things pretty much rolled the way a love drama goes, she knew about it and found him lying on the bed. Bowowow.

One person’s beginning becomes one person’s end.
Vonnie S.

Q: And you wonder why we're poor...

Troy1989neo turned into a Halloween Kyrii, sporting a rather rascal-like werewolf. He'd better not be harassing his siblings now that he's got fur on almost everything! With his makeover, I've currently got two Halloween Neopets! Well, Kumakee's color is gonna be permanent. I love NightSteed after all. Troy's okay for the moment. In order for Troy to escape the lab, he's gotta turn into a Lutari or Draik and that's gonna take awhile I'm sure.

Furry,
Vonnie S.

Q: How come the iPad is not charging?

Another surprise this week as the Star published my essay in the travel section. Although I did not win the Pick of the Week, I am greatly content with my work. The other story is about a sanitary pad saving the trip, "doesn't get more exciting than that," Pika commented. Understandably a more interesting piece compared to mine, so I admit defeat. At least I know it's good enough to appear in the local newspaper. As for the 2D 1N Desaru voucher, you'll find your way to me soon. Presenting...

Raining Stones

IN late summer last year, my American friend Scott and I planned on what became an unforgettable road trip. Travelling more than 7,000km in a span of eight days, we headed west from Kalamazoo, Michigan, the United States, in a minivan with three other friends.

It wasn’t a particularly easy journey and on several occasions, we drove through the night and had to be on a constant lookout for wandering wildlife.

On the fifth day, we finally arrived at our ultimate destination – the Yellowstone National Park. We then visited the Old Faithful, a famous geyser erupting 150 feet into the air. The place was indeed more than what the Wyoming brochure back in the motel prepared us for. With great expectations, we spent the entire sixth day navigating through the forest reserve, relishing the sightings of herds of wild bison. There was even one moving less than 5m away from our van!

I recalled Scott saying that “if you see a bunch of tourists gathering, you know there’s bound to be a bear or something”. He was right, because we came to a spot near the Upper Falls and saw a number of cars.

However, no one was walking outside their parked vehicles. Sensing something amiss, we waited patiently behind them, wondering if there was a bear nearby.

But, the thundering sound approaching could only mean one thing – hailstones! Suddenly, we were pelted with hailstones. Within 15 minutes, winter was upon Yellowstone and we raced one another to the waterfalls like little children. It was a beautiful miracle for us and we left Wyoming with a respect for Mother Nature and a memory we won’t forget.

--------------------------------

Run for your lives!!
Vonnie S.

Q: i Lov how you draw your lupes

I submitted my drawing to Neopets Art Gallery and won 10k neopoints, a trophy and a Gallion. There wasn't any form of notification but a neomail from a stranger complimenting my artwork. That was a pleasant surprise. Thing is, I wasn't even expecting much. In fact, I meant to send the original picture to PeiLi since she like this Neopets species so much. But it is a proud moment I must say, the only traditional artwork amongst the digital art. This particular media is fading rather quickly, almost everyone draws using Sai or Illustrator now.

http://www.neopets.com/art/gallery.phtml (page 1622)

Grey Day,

Vonnie S.

Q: *blows raspberry*

Drew this under 30 minutes, and it feels great holding onto color pencils again. It's a Baby Lupe comforting a Grey Lupe. Cute huh? People should be like that you know, be kind to one another, encourage and send love. It's the little gestures that matters most. But people nowadays are too busy for that sorta thing. "There is little to no sentimentality in the younger generation," said my coordinator today, and hopefully this picture will remind you to prove her wrong.

Standard format,
Vonnie S.

Q: Sometimes you really need to be there to know.

The mother bird revisits her nest frequently, leaving it unprotected twenty minutes at the most. You can tell how resilient these delicate creatures are. She would sit there for the longest time even as the sun ray sting her feathers. In the nest, she laid two reddish and beige dappled eggs. And there I watched from the windows with my binoculars, in my khakis and a canteen slinging from my shoulder.

NatGeo Wild style,
Vonnie S.

Q: Tsst, see the eggs. I think got two leh!

What I can remember of Romeo and Juliet after five years...

Love is the antithesis (opposite) of war. Shakespeare does not intend the love of Romeo and Juliet to be a religion nor a malady nor cult. The theme of love remains central throughout the play. It is about the purity and intensity of ideal love. Many critics believe that the love of Romeo and Juliet was such that it continues to be constant ever since they lay eyes on each other. Their love is “a perfect blending of body and soul”. The only obstacle to their amour – passion is the family feud (between Montague and Capulet). The mere fact that Romeo did not elope with Juliet to Manturia, and thus could perhaps live with each other till they became old and gray, shows that Shakespeare is dealing with the intense passion of true love.

The love of Romeo and Juliet is unfortunately fatal. It is short-lived, sudden, instantaneous, ardent and sensual. Nothing can come between their love, not even their feuding families. They abandon themselves onto a rudderless course that inevitably ended in a shipwreck. It has to pay a high price; their young lives. Therefore, the crux of the theme deals with love and violence and the resultant repercussions. Shakespeare did not intend their untimely deaths to be the result of the hatred of the houses, not of any other cause, except Love itself.

Love is ephemeral (transient). Love is sacrificial. Above all, Love conquers Death even more than it defeats hate. It sweeps aside everything else so that fate itself seems powerless. Shakespeare actually deals with the intensity of powerful emotions. Love can be so consuming that even in death that love pervades and touches upon others. It continues into the lives of others.

It's all about Love,
Vonnie S.

Q: We are going to do a family meeting tonight, araso?

It's always a surprise when a pair of bird chooses your garden to be their nesting ground for their chicks. What's more exciting is the view I get every morning, just right outside my window. This gives mom more reasons to come into my room. Ki siao. I made a quick Google search and found out that they are of the Yellow-vented Bulbul, pycnototus goiavier species. 

With that, it's now an everyday mission to wake up, snap a shot, and feel lucky that nature chooses to educate us about their aviary friends. This is the second time our home becomes a sanctuary for bird parents. I shall promise a journal about the mama bird soon. Till then, be content with this info:

Each morning as punctual as the alarm clock, at precisely 6.45 am, this bird would be doing his morning call. It may sounds melodic but most time noisy! The ritual would run for about 10 minutes until he felt that the day's chore is over. -Backyard Birds-

Tweedily,
Vonnie S.

Q: Tell me what's more hitam-er than that?

Hate is bad, they said as the LMFAO crew wiggled on stage in front of thousands of fans here at the Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon. Everyone was head banging and putting their hands in the air to the music, I must tell you this, that the atmosphere was wild. People were invading each other’s personal space, trying their hardest to catch a glimpse of the shuffle band. Both Ika and I decided to watch from afar. We really didn’t mind that because there were binoculars to help, but it wasn’t helping much that afros and towering giraffes crowded the Chill Out Zone. Good thing the projector screen was large enough, so we didn’t have to miss a thing.

You can see many things when you’re in one spot at a concert. Boys piggyback riding friends, couples sharing Guinness beer cans, guys going topless, smokers pissing non-smokers, kids playing their Samsung gadgets, and a crouching Ika beside me. Wait…what? On the ticket it was stated to begin at 8.30pm, however it was not until 10.00pm that LMFAO showed up. Ika was tired from all the standing and tiptoeing, and I too lost my interest (after Sorry for Party Rocking and Party Rock Anthem were performed); we headed to Starbucks for a cool drink.

The night was fun tho I have to admit. Besides, Gavin’s gonna like what I have for him. 

Half time,
Vonnie S.

Q: Shhh...he's gone.

Gone were the days I sit around with friends playing Pokemon together or suckle on Haw flakes candy, skipping classes at the library or scaring each other at camps. But my generation has been a great one I admit. There’s a balance of both worlds, and the subtle changes will always remind me of the good times well spent.

1 Kenanga,
Vonnie S.

Q: Don't tell Heng Yi...

As much as I am tempted to rant about my relatives, I believe each and every one of you share similar sentiments, so I’ll stop. Instead of passing judgments, I guess I’ll leave you to see why I’m not always on the same page with them. We look like books, but that’s where the similarities end. Perhaps we can go to an extent saying we’re merely from the one publisher that brands us this shared blood relationship.

For starters, even books come in all shapes and sizes. Some colored, black-white, sepia, rainbow and what not; relatable because you get relatives who are fun to be around (makes you happy like that of a rainbow) and some are just judgmental (the only way that’s right is black and white), an acquired taste. Books are also either thick covered or paperback. I’m sure you have an aunt or uncle that does or say stuff that others would deem embarrassing but they continue to do so because they may simply be thick covered.

We may look alike but the stories we carry may not have the same genre across time. These stories could be PG-13, violent, scandalous, sad, and more often than not like the majority of good stories, not so much of happy things. Like the actual object, some of us are kept in libraries forever, or taken fancy by a traveler with a chance to explore the world. Heck, books end up talking about who draws your cover page and your value too.   

So dear relatives, a book is a good companion when it entertains and teaches, encourages or is thought-provoking. But if it stops being so, it becomes hard to swallow the pages.

Burning up,
Vonnie S.

Q: May the odds be ever in your favor.

This has got to be the busiest week in awhile. Good thing, work ain't touching my favorite day of the week. You'd know it because I will sing this song that greatly annoys you enough to send anyone flying out the car just because they couldn't make the decision whether to sit in the front seat, or to kick in the back seat. Gavin picked kt and I today; the goal is to makan and that's pretty much all I can remember about this day. 

The plan is to eat absurd sounding food. One memorable dish is this hybrid of a char siew pao and lo mai kai at Restoran Clan called the kai wo pao (lit chicken nest pao). Didn't know it's possible but yes, we had it and that's one off the checklist.



Our next goal is the angry bird pao at Ipoh. Don't know if we'll get there, but no harm wishing right?

Kung Pao,
Vonnie S.
Credits to Darkmoonwanted (c) The Odds 

Q: Mm...kay.

Would you take this piece of tiramisu cake, this sweet smell of its icing, this treading of footsteps, this tug at the sleeves, this wandering eye, this feeling of satisfaction, this smile of a child, this affection of a mother, this maternal instinct, this love of a family bond, this photo of two generations, this strength of a unity, this transcending future, this moment in time, this second in an hour, this hazy ghostly image, this memory of mine, at a bakery once upon a time?

What's there to share?
Vonnie S.
Credits to imladris517 (c) Kikaku-ji - Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Q: We wee Wii!

This fox is telling you where I'm heading to on the 21st. Unfortunately, mom and dad have been freaking out over the bad weather condition. Hopefully things are good for us when we get there. Seriously, what can happen within a week?


Spring air --
Woven moon
And plum scent.

-Matsu Basho

Ego sheath,
Vonnie S.
Credits to SilentReaper (c) A Fox for Japan

Q: Care to explain more? Noh!

When the sun rises to the skies, it looks like the half boiled egg yolk I devour every week. The way its orange contrasts against the egg whites, acted like that of cloud beds for the sun. But the yolk was at my mercy, or rather, my spoon’s as I continuously stirred the egg, watching the color blends into a mixture that I later on choose to contaminate with a drop of soy sauce. Such breakfasts are lovely and light; they hold the power to the remainder of one’s day. Without a proper meal, there shan’t be a productive day.

Today, it is a necessity. Laser tagging calls for it. I needed an hour of stamina to keep me alive in the game. It wouldn’t be easy to down the boys, especially Gavin. Clearly, his gun shooting workshop helped improve his aim. Running around within the time frame combine with adrenaline rush will definitely burn more calories too. I really hate drawing the shorter end of the stick, but wouldn’t mind it either way. I’m sure the girls would put up a good fight is all.

Oh yes, I need to watch the documentary on Titanic. It seems promising. Ah, I need to buy more paper for the kindergarten as well. So much to do…

Back flip wave,
Vonnie S.

Q: That one not genuine one. Ngak yan geh!

The pineapple tart stall beside Jonker Street was crowded with KLites. Aunties decked with their Louis Vuitton or Coach bags hassled the shopkeepers for boxes of tarts and other pastry delights. The sight and smell perked my interest. Such are wonderful scenes of the Melaka old streets that entice city folks to keep coming back for more. I mean, I really should be bringing some goodies to a client's home and I'm sure mom would certainly appreciate an edible souvenir. So I too, managed to grab a box of pandan pineapple tarts and another box of golden colored pineapple tarts. Those things just came right off the oven and immediately melts into your mouth upon contact with saliva.

As the aunties moved onto another shop, I was there holding onto my fifty ringgit note and placing an order with the old lady. She was nice enough to put in some samples so I could bring them to my crew. I know for many reasons why events can be quite an energy drainer. This should be no different even if it's small. The sugary goodness will put them into a happening mood.

The old lady asked if I want to try their lou po biscuit. I passed on that. My interest was solely on the pineapple tarts and I promised mom to buy gula melaka. Oh yes, might as well ask. I wanted to know how authentic gula melaka is like and the old lady was nice enough to explain to me in Cantonese. Under the Melaka sun, I made new friends and learned new facts. After two nights, two bowls of laksa, one nyonya popiah, and one drunken Irish, I believe we all had the time of our lives.

Soda pop sickle,
Vonnie S.

E: Happy April Fools' Day!

I'm not gonna blog anymore. This is too taxing. Plus, I spent more hours writing than I do socializing. That's bad. It's gotta end before I start losing my bearings. So dear readers,   I am sorry to disappoint you, but from here on out, this blog will be dead. I couldn't uphold my side of the promise to keep it running for another five more years. But I hope it's been a fun ride. I mean, should I ever start blogging again, you can be a part of it once more. Sometimes, it's a little change for the better I suppose.

April fool!
Vonnie S.
Credits to conceptually (c) little spy